What does a public health dental hygienist do?

At the community level, public health dental hygienists work closely with childcare, preschool, and elementary school staff, school nurses, administrators, and other health care professionals caring for individuals and families. Their goal is to increase access to oral health services among the populations they serve.

What does a public health dental hygienist do?

At the community level, public health dental hygienists work closely with childcare, preschool, and elementary school staff, school nurses, administrators, and other health care professionals caring for individuals and families. Their goal is to increase access to oral health services among the populations they serve.

Where do dental hygienists work?

You are likely to work in general dental practices but there are job opportunities in hospitals and community dental services . Your work as a dental hygienist will save teeth by preventing and treating gum disease, helping people get rid of associated problems like bad breath.

What do you see as the most important role of a dental hygienist working in private practice?

As licensed professionals, dental hygienists perform most of their work independently –unlike dental assistants, who must work directly under the supervision of a licensed dentist. Above all, a dental hygienist’s most important duty is to advise patients on how to keep their teeth free of plaque.

Where do dental hygienists make the most money?

10 States Where Dental Hygienists Earn the Most Money

Rank State 2017 Mean Annual Wage
1 Alaska $107,190
2 California $97,420
3 Washington $91,070
4 New Mexico $89,740

Can a dental hygienist make six figures?

The median salary for a dental hygienist is $73,000 a year, according to the U.S. Labor Department. In big cities, dental hygienists can earn six figures.

What does the average dental hygienist make?

The Dental Hygienist is part of the following larger National Occupational Classification (NOC)….Contact Details.

Average Wage $56.14 / hr
Average Salary $/ yr
Hours Per Week 30.2 hrs

Is being a dental hygienist boring?

Many hygienists feel bored, trapped, and uninspired. It’s easy to simply go through the motions and let years slip by without ever acknowledging these feelings, but it doesn’t have to be that way! We owe it to ourselves and our patients to be fully present, engaged, and happy in our careers.

What is the maximum salary for a dental hygienist?

The median annual wage for dental hygienists was $76,220 in May 2019. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $53,130, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $103,340.

Do dental hygienists work on commission?

Hygienists will be paid a flat hourly or daily rate but will also be paid commission on production over a specified amount. Average commissions typically range from about 20% to 30% of production in excess of desired goals.

Do dental hygienist just clean teeth?

Dental hygienists are responsible not only for cleaning your teeth, but also for examining your head, neck, mouth and throat for signs of possible health trouble. Two of the most important exams they perform are the oral cancer screening and the periodontal assessment.

How much should a hygienist produce per hour?

According to the industry standard, the hygienist should produce three times her/his salary to be a full contributor to the financial health of the practice. You may find that your department is falling short, particularly if you make more than $42 an hour and produce less than $125 an hour.

What do dental hygienists clean teeth with?

First, your dental hygienist will use an ultrasonic cleaner and a water sprayer to loosen and remove plaque and tartar from your teeth and gums. Your dental hygienist will then scrape additional plaque and tartar off your teeth by using a metal tool called a hand scaler.

Can you make a living being a dental hygienist?

Dental hygienists are in demand and integral to every dentist office, and often earn a decent wage. According to the BLS, the national median annual wage for this career in May 2017 was $74,070 or $35.61 per hour. ² This varies depending upon location, experience, and whether you are a full-time or part-time employee.